Penataran Temple

It stands majestically in the north of Blitar. A masterpiece of the three major kingdoms in the archipelago. Penataran Temple or also called Palah Temple is an extremely extraordinary cultural heritage and is a landmark for the world of tourism in Blitar Regency. Although it is located in Penataran Village, Ngleggok District which is actually far from the city center or district center, it does not necessarily make this temple escape the attention of the Government. As the most comprehensive bathing complex in East Java, Penataran Temple received special attention from the Blitar Regional Government. Various supporting facilities have been built, and their existence is also integrated with several other tourism objects such as the Penataran Swimming Pool and the Penataran Museum.

Penataran Temple was established during the reign of King Srengga of the Kadhiri Kingdom. This is contained in the inscription which is located in the complex of Penataran Temple. Although then the kingdom of Kadhiri collapsed, but the construction of this temple was continued by subsequent kingdoms namely the Kingdom of Singosari and Majapahit. This historical fact shows how important the existence of Penataran Temple for these kingdoms was. Therefore, it is not surprising that Penataran Temple is now a tourism landmark in Blitar Regency.

As in general reliefs of temples in East Java which were carved based on the analogy of the life of characters who were harmonized in that place, Ramayana reliefs with figures Rama and Shinta, and Krisnayana reliefs with Krisna and Rukmini figures, carved on the walls of Penataran temple can be said to be similar to the story of Ken Arok and Ken Dedes.

The existence of Penataran Temple Tourism really helps lift the economy of the community around the temple, the many stalls of sellers make it easier for tourists to find souvenirs. In addition, to attract more tourists Blitar Regency Government also builds other Tourism Facilities namely baths or swimming pools that are not too far apart from Penataran Temple Area.